Rhodocollybia purpurata

The fruit bodies (basidiocarps) of R. purpurata have caps (pilei) which reach 2.5–6.5 centimetres (0.98–2.56 inches) in diameter. They can vary in colour from greyish magenta, cream to pale pink, and nearly black to violet in young specimens. The surface is fibrillose and rugulose, and the cap shape is flat or nearly umbonate. The lamella (gills) are normally grey with tints of orange, brown, or red. They are crowded, and the attachment is adnexed to nearly free. The stipe measures 30–70 × 4–8 mm at the apex, with the base reaching 8–24 mm in diameter. The spore print is cream. The spores are tear-shaped and measure 7.7 × 3.7 µm. The basidia measure 25–30 × 6–8 µm. The hyphae measure 3– µm in diameter. The mushroom does not have a significant smell or taste.

Rhodocollybia purpurata is native to New Zealand. Its range covers the North and South Islands. Rhodocollybia species are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients by breaking down organic material. R. purpurata is found in forests and shrublands consisting of Nothofagus, Leptospermum, or Kunzea. It has been recorded growing in groups in leaf litter on soil of those plants, and has also been recorded growing on mossy areas and trunks.